In No Surprise To Party, Hoeffel Announces He's Running For Re-election In 13th District * Democrat In Gop Montgomery County Pledges To Fight For Social Security, Medicare.

January 27, 2000|by DIANE MARCZELY GIMPEL, The Morning Call

U.S. Rep. Joseph M. Hoeffel III announced Wednesday he is running for re-election, no surprise since he has been raising money for the campaign virtually since he was sworn in for his first term a year ago.

"The federal government can be a positive, progressive force to improve the lives of Montgomery County's citizens," Hoeffel told reporters gathered before him for the announcement in Norristown. "That's why I worked hard four times to win this seat. That's why I'm working hard in office and that's why I will work so hard to get re-elected."

Hoeffel, the Democrat who represents the largely Republican 13th Congressional District, urged Congress to "move away from partisan pettiness" and work cooperatively to foster economic growth, promote world peace and address social needs.

Hoeffel called for protecting and preserving Social Security and Medicare, reducing the national debt, adding a prescription drug benefit to the Medicare plan, reforming the health insurance system, improving education, increasing gun safety and furthering campaign finance reform.

But while he called for bipartisanship, Hoeffel also reaffirmed his position in the Democratic camp with regard to what to do with budget surpluses.

"It would be the wrong thing to use those funds for a huge tax cut," Hoeffel said.

Congressional Republicans support tax cuts, as do Republicans Stewart J. Greenleaf and Melissa Brown, who are seeking the Montgomery County Republican Committee endorsement tonight for the 13th District seat. John Coffey, the third Republican in the race, could not be reached for comment on his position on tax cuts.

Although he supports campaign finance reform, Hoeffel said he wants to raise $1.5 million in this campaign and will accept money from special interest groups, as he has in the past.

"We have to play under the current rules," Hoeffel said. "I don't want to unilaterally disarm."

However, Hoeffel said he would consider entering a private agreement with the Republican candidate to set a spending limit for this election. That's something Greenleaf suggested.

"Campaign finance reform begins at home," Greenleaf said.

Greenleaf and Brown both have raised at least $300,000 for the campaign so far. Hoeffel said recently he raised about $500,000 last year, some of which he spent. Exact figures will be available soon because 1999 campaign finance reports are due to the Federal Election Commission by next week.

While Greenleaf disagrees with Hoeffel regarding the need for tax cuts, he said he agrees with some of the Democrats' other objectives, including the need to preserve Social Security and Medicare, pay down the debt and reform campaign finance laws. Brown, however, said Hoeffel's promises are "too little, too late."

"After having a full year to address these issues with legislative leadership, Joe Hoeffel's claim that he is now ready to get down to work for the people of Montgomery County must be viewed with skepticism," she said in a written statement.

But Hoeffel said he has worked for county residents. As an example, he cited his ability to restore $2 million in federal education funding for disadvantaged students and to secure $8 million in transportation grants.

"I have to do a good job in Washington," Hoeffel said. "If people are satisfied, I will be re-elected."